So he lives only a couple of miles away from me, but I do feel well rid of the guy, even as I remain unimpressed with his replacement. But Barney couldn’t long stay out of the Beltway; he has made it known that he would like to be appointed to the U.S. Senate. If John Kerry becomes Secretary of State, then Gov. Deval Patrick will appoint a replacement Senator until the Commonwealth holds a special election. Frank has this to say:

Frank said that while he could see how the request might seem “a little arrogant,” he felt that his experience in Congress could benefit his home state during crucial negotiations. Under the “fiscal cliff” deal struck earlier this week, no resolution was reached on an extension of the debt ceiling, set to expire early this year, while deep sequestration cuts were only delayed two months.

“That deal now means Feburary, March, and April are going to be among the most important months in American financial history,” Frank said.

My bigger problem is that Barney Frank was largely responsible for the housing bubble and subsequent collapse; despite being warned about the dangers to the economy and to homeowners, he wanted to “roll the dice”, even as the market exploded.

When your signature financial achievement goes down in flames, don’t talk to us about what a wizard you are.